Morris Irvin: "It was just a shock. Ya know, we know everybody dies. I mean that’s inevitable. But nobody thought Mike would die. I’m going to keep it real. Nobody thought Mike would die at 50!

"I remember when he was 20 and going out with Brooke Shields. I remember his penny loafers, the jackets, the jeans, the tube socks. But he was just so cool. And he was sincere and authentic. That’s why so many people loved him. Because he believed in himself and he believed in his dream."

Among officials paying tribute to Jackson was the head of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Neal Portnow. He said “rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon.”